More and more every day we’re seeing young teenagers sharing videos online of their full, 10-step skincare routines. From retinol to a full face of makeup, kids have now begun using products from early on in an attempt to get that glowy, fresh-looking complexion. Here’s the secret: they don’t need it! It’s actually causing them more harm than good. While many kids today think that having a skincare regimen is one way to look as glowy as the Tiktokers they follow, nobody ever breaks the news to them that they would have clear, glowy skin even without that regimen.
ELLE spoke to celebrity skincare specialist Amira El Gamal on just what exactly your pre-teen needs to maintain healthy skin.
Today’s culture is heavily built on keeping the individual in a constant consumerist mindset. Tough to deal with, right? Now imagine being born into that! Today’s pre-teens and teens have never known a world before social media and the constant influx of advertisements smuggled in between desirable pictures. They did not see the evolution of influencer culture. To them, Bethany Mota isn’t a household name. While some of us might remember watching as YouTube created what we now deem normal, these kids have no idea, which is why it can be even tougher for them to distinguish between truth and myth.
“The only way for pre-teens and teens to enjoy glowy, clear skin is to stick to a simple three-step routine,” Amira El Gamal tells ELLE. “A simple cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen combo is perfect.”
Not only does your pre-teen not need an elaborate skin-care routine, it is actually harming their skin. “Starting a multi-step skincare routine at a young age is actually can disrupt the natural process of the skin cycle and cause premature damage.” El Gamal continues.
WANT CLEAR SKIN? EAT WELL
We know how redundant it sounds when we say that the key to healthy skin is eating well, but if it’s redundant, don’t you think it’s because it’s true?
“One extra reason why today’s teens and pre-teens are suffering from complexions that do not look like those they see on their phone screens is their diet.” El Gamal shares, “The lack of fiber and the on-the-go fast food culture with all of its processed ingredients are not helping adolescents’ skin today. Kids have their morning coffee, filled with sugar, artificial sweeteners, and pseudo food bars all day, causing severe gut inflammation which in turn damages their skin.”
WHAT’S SAFE TO USE & WHAT’S NOT
Remember, your kid does not have the adult skin problems your products try to solve, like wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging. Topical treatments that aren’t intended for the child’s age group can be, in fact, damaging. We need to highlight the importance of developing good practices and starting to take them from a young age, so here are some safe ingredients for your kid to use: Jojoba oil, Aloe Vera, Ceramides, and Hyaluronic Acid.
There’s also a long list of products to avoid when getting your child your next basket of goodies; here are the main ingredients to avoid: Retinoids, Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), fragrances, alcohol-based products, harsh detergents or sulfates, parabens, Oxybenzone, Talc, and Formaldehyde.
“Most of the time we know instantly if a product isn’t right for our kids. Redness and blisters may appear on the areas where we applied the products,” El Gamal explains, “Yet many other times the damage may be more subtle. So avoid these main harmful ingredients when helping them select their regimen items.”
And while some teens suffer from serious acne or skincare issues that usually take place in their adolescent years, no one magical on-shelf product can solve that. A dermatologist’s advice will resolve persistent issues not a Tiktok remedy regimen.
Your kid is better off eating well. Push your child to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from within. Raise consciousness on the importance of healthy living and what it does to their skin, and insist on a lifestyle that includes a proper workout for necessary circulation.
Kids today need to know that there’s no magic pill to get that flawless, glass skin. It’s a product of a healthy lifestyle only. Parents today need to put their foot down when it comes to their child exposing their skin to unnecessary products but also need to be there from the start on how the proper care needs only basic steps.
